Tie-rod luggage box

ABSTRACT

A tie-rod luggage box, or travel suitcase, has a main box body, comprising of a front shell plate and a rear shell plate in an open or closed state. An L-shaped extensible tie-rod is set between the front and rear shell plates, adjacent to one flange of the front and rear shell plates. Said L-shaped extensible tie-rod at least comprises of a vertical extensible rod set extended vertically along the inner side of the main box body and a transverse handle set at top of the vertical extensible rod set. A through-type mounting portion in non-recessed state is set between the front and rear shell plates correspondingly to the transverse handle. Said mounting portion could be matched with the transverse handle, such that the transverse handle in idle state could be retracted transversely into the mounting portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a tie-rod luggage box, and more particularly to an innovative one which is designed to maintain the integrity of the front and rear shell plates in conjunction with an L-shaped extensible tie-rod.

2. Description of Related Art Including information Disclosed Under 37 CFR 1,97 and 37 CFR 1.98.

The tie-rod luggage box is one of the essential tools for business trip or recreational travel. As for the commonly-used tie-rod luggage boxes, an extensible

-shaped tie-rod is often set over the box body, and a set of wheels are arranged at bottom of the box body. When the luggage box is to be pulled by the user, said

-shaped tie-rod could be upwards taken out and located, then pressed downwards after use, allowing the extensible tie-rod to retract into the box body. At present, there is a huge market demand for such tie-rod luggage boxes due to excellent ease of operation.

However, some structural shortcomings are still observed from conventional tie-rod luggage box, as shown in FIG. 1. To accommodate the handle portion 02 of said

-shaped tie-rod 01, a recessed portion 06 must be preset at the top surface of the front panel 04 or rear panel 05 of the tie-rod luggage box 03, so that the handle portion 02 of said

-shaped tie-rod 01 could be concealed into the recessed portion 06. Yet, in such case, the front and rear panels 04, 05 cannot be configured symmetrically, leading to poorer aesthetic effect of the overall appearance. Moreover, two sets of moulds shall be required for fabrication of the front and rear panels 04, 05, resulting in higher cost of moulds and fabrication against mass production. Furthermore, said conventional extensible rod structure (omitted in the figure) is often designed into a double-rod pattern in conjunction with said

-shaped tie-rod 01. So a bigger space against visual effect shall be required when it is concealed into the tie-rod luggage box 03 (a liner is generally sewed into the tie-rod luggage box for concealing the extensible rod structure), then a recessed portion 06 shall be incorporated, leading to sharp space reduction for the tie-rod luggage box 03 and negative impact on the quality and operational convenience of contained products. Hence, there is still a big room for improvement of conventional tie-rod luggage box.

Thus, to overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art, it would be an advancement if the art to provide an improved structure that can significantly improve the efficacy.

Therefore, the inventor has provided the present invention of practicability after deliberate design and evaluation based on years of experience in the production, development and design of related products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Based on the unique structure of the present invention wherein “a tie-rod luggage box for integrity of the box” mainly comprises a main box body. L-shaped extensible tie-rod and a through-type mounting portion in non-recessed state, the front and rear shell plates do not require for a recessed portion to accommodate the tie-rod, only a single set of moulds could be used to fabricate the front and rear shell plates of symmetry and integrity, provided that L-shaped extensible tie-rod is set. This could save the cost of moulds, and also reduce efficiently the manufacturing cost for mass production since the inner space of the main box body could be remarkably increased and its overall appearance could be improved aesthetically. Thus, the present invention could help to minimize the manufacturing cost for mass production, augment the inner space of the main box body and improve the visual effect.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conventional tie-rod luggage box.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an operating status view of the present invention when the control button is pressed.

FIG. 5 is an operating status view of the L-shaped extensible tie-rod of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the present invention showing the structural configuration of L-shaped extensible tie-rod.

FIG. 7: a plane view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plane view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the present invention showing the setting position of L-shaped extensible tie-rod and mounting portion of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the present invention showing the setting position of L-shaped extensible tie-rod and mounting portion of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of another preferred embodiment of the main box body of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the main box body of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1-6 depict preferred embodiments of the tie-rod luggage box of the present invention, which, however, are provided for only explanatory objective. Said tie-rod luggage box 07 is also called a tie-rod box or travel suitcase, and comprises: a main box body 10, comprising of a front shell plate 11 and a rear shell plate 12 in an open or closed state. The main box body 10 of the present invention is operated in a way that a pin joint portion 13 is set between the front and rear shell plates 11, 12, so the front and rear shell plates 11. 12 can be opened or closed by taking the pin joint portion as an axle center. Referring to FIG. 11, a coupling element 50 is set between the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 of the main box body 10, Said coupling element 50 comprises of a puller 51 and a coupler 52, permitting to control the coupler 52 via the puller 51 for connection or separation, and making the front and. rear shell plates 11, 12 in an open or close state.

An L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 is set between the front and rear shell plates 11, 12, adjacent to one flange of the front and rear shell plates 11, 12. Said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 at least comprises of a vertical extensible rod set 21 extended vertically along the inner side of the main box body 10 and a transverse handle 22 set at top of the vertical extensible rod set 21. With use of the vertical extensible rod set 21, the transverse handle 22 could be pulled upwards for holding or pressed downwards into a retractable state.

A through-type mounting portion 30 in non-recessed state is set between the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 correspondingly to the transverse handle 22. Said mounting portion 30 could be matched with the transverse handle 22, such that the transverse handle 22 in idle state could be retracted transversely into the mounting portion 30.

Since the recessed portion is not required for the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 to accommodate the tie-rod as the case in prior art, only a single set of moulds could be used to fabricate the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 of symmetry and integrity, provided that L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 is set. This could save the cost of moulds (only a single set of moulds required in the present invention), and also reduce efficiently the manufacturing cost for mass production. Since the vertical extensible rod set 21 of L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 is designed into a single-rod pattern, space-saving could be realized in the main box body 10, and inner holding space of the main box body 10 could be remarkably increased due to the structural design that no any recessed portion is set on the surface of the front and shell plates 11, 12. Thus, the present invention could be used more conveniently with symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing effects. More specifically, the present invention could help to minimize the manufacturing cost for mass production, augment the inner space of the main box body 10 and improve the visual effect.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a box frame 14 is formed between the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 of the main box body 10. Additionally, a groove 15 is set at the center of the box flame 14. Said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 is in practice mounted into the groove 15 of the box frame 14 opposite to one side of the pin joint portion 13. Said vertical extensible rod set 21 is vertically set along the inner side of the box. frame 14. Moreover, said mounting portion 30 is arranged correspondingly to the groove 15 of the box frame 14 and the transverse handle 22 of said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20. Of which, said mounting portion 30 comprises of an opening 31 onto the groove 15 of the box frame 14 and a holding seat 32 capable of being set on the opening 31. Said holding seat 32 could contain the transverse handle 22, while the vertical extensible rod set 21 could penetrate one side of the bolding seat 32, such that the transverse handle 22 in idle state could be contained into the holding seat 32 and concealed transversely into the groove 15 of the box frame 14.

Referring to FIGS. 2-6, a control button 40 is arranged at a preset location of the transverse handle 22. Said control button 40 is linked with the vertical extensible rod set 21. When the user presses the control button 40, the vertical extensible rod set 21 could move upwards to lift off the transverse handle 22 for the user. Of which, the vertical extensible rod set 21 of said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 at least comprises of an outer tube 23, an inner tube 24 set into the outer tube 23 in a moveable state and an elastic bracing member 25 set below the inner tube 24. Of which, the transverse handle 22 is set at top of the inner tube 24, while a locating portion 26 is arranged correspondingly to the inner and outer tubes 23, 24 (in conjunction with FIG. 2). Said locating portion 26 is linked with the control button 40 of the transverse handle 22, such that when the control button 40 is pressed, the locating portion 26 is in a release state, enabling the elastic bracing member 25 to lift off the inner tube 24. When the control button 40 is released, the inner tube 24 can be shifted to the preset location, and the locating portion 26 is in a locked sate, so that the inner tube 24 could be located securely (the locating portion 26 could be located by the locating flange and slot or otherwise by other means).

Of which, as limiting member 41 is set on the transverse handle 22 at one side of the control button 40, so that the control button 40 could be locked, or unlocked, via control of the limiting member 41.

Furthermore, the front and rear shell plates 11, 12 are of an oblique (shown in FIG. 7) or arched (shown in FIG. 8) periphery, so that the vertical extensible rod set 21 of said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 could be pulled or retracted obliquely or archedly. The transverse handle 22 could thus be pulled upwards to the service position and located over the center of the main box body 10, enabling the user to hold the transverse handle 22 and drag the main box body 10 in an equilibrium state.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, said L-shaped extensible tie-rod 20 and mounting portion 30 are arranged laterally at the box frame 14 of the front shell plate 11 or rear shell plate 12. Referring also to FIG. 12, the front and real shell plates 11, 12 of the main box body 10 are of a prefabricated shell body or formed without the box frame 14. 

1. A tie-rod luggage box comprising: a main box body, comprising of a front shell plate and a rear shell plate in open or close state; an L-shaped extensible tie-rod, set between the front and rear shell plates, adjacent to one flange of the front and rear shell plates; said L-shaped extensible tie-rod at least comprises of a vertical extensible rod set extended vertically along the inner side of the main box body and a transverse handle set at top of the vertical extensible rod set; with use of the vertical extensible rod set, the transverse handle could be pulled upwards for holding or pressed downwards into a retractable state; a through-type mounting portion in non-recessed state, set between the front and rear shell plates correspondingly to the transverse handle; and, said mounting portion could be matched with the transverse handle, such that the transverse handle in idle state could be retracted transversely into the mounting portion; since the front and rear shell plates do not require for a recessed portion to accommodate the tie-rod, only a single set of moulds could be used to fabricate the front and rear shell plates of desired integrity, provided that L-shaped extensible tie-rod is set; this could save the manufacturing cost, increase the inner space of the main box body and improve its visual effect.
 2. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein a pin joint portion is set between the front and rear shell plates, so the front and rear shell plates can be opened or closed by taking the pin joint portion as an axle center; a box frame is also formed between the front and rear shell plates; additionally a groove is set at the center of the box frame; said U-shaped extensible tie-rod is mounted into the groove of the box frame opposite to one side of the pin joint portion; said vertical extensible rod set is vertically set along the inner side of the box frame; moreover, said mounting portion is arranged correspondingly to the groove of the box frame and the transverse handle of said L-shaped extensible tie-rod; of which, said mounting portion comprises of an opening onto the groove of the box frame and a holding seat capable of being set on the opening; said holding seat could contain the transverse handle, while the vertical extensible rod set could penetrate one side of the holding seat, such that the transverse handle in idle state could be contained into the holding seat and concealed transversely into the groove of the box frame.
 3. The structure defined in claim 2, wherein the front and rear shell plates are of an oblique or arched periphery, so that the vertical extensible rod set of said U-shaped extensible tie-rod could be pulled or retracted obliquely or archedly; the transverse handle could thus be pulled upwards to the service position and located over the center of the main box body.
 4. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein a control button is arranged at a preset location of the transverse handle; said control button is linked with the vertical extensible rod set; when the user presses the control button, the vertical extensible rod set could move upwards to lift off the transverse handle for the user.
 5. The structure defined in claim 4, wherein the vertical extensible rod set of said L-shaped extensible tie-rod at least comprises of an outer tube, an inner tube set into the outer tube in a moveable state and an elastic bracing member set below the inner tube; of which, the transverse handle is set at top of the inner tube, while a locating portion is arranged correspondingly to the inner and outer tubes:, said locating portion is linked with the control button of the transverse handle, such that when the control button is pressed, the locating portion is in a release state, enabling the elastic bracing member to lift off the inner tube; when the control button is released, the inner tube can be shifted to the preset location, and the locating portion is in a locked sate, so that the inner tube could be located securely.
 6. The structure defined in claim 5, wherein a limiting member is set on the transverse handle at one side of the control button, so that the control button could be locked or unlocked via control of the limiting member.
 7. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein a coupling element is set between the front and rear shell plates of the main box body; said coupling element comprises of a puller and a coupler, permitting to control the coupler via the puller for connection or separation, and making the front and rear shell plates in an open or close state.
 8. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein the front and real shell plates of the main box body are of a prefabricated shell body.
 9. The structure defined in claim 1, wherein said L-shaped extensible tie-rod and mounting portion are arranged laterally at the box frame of the front or rear shell plate. 